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Cantoria Initials

After quite a few new fonts in a row with a modern look and two based on constructivist designs by Alexander Rodchenko, it seemed like it was about time to do something more antique and historic in character.This set of initials and accompanying uppercase characters is based on bas relief lettering by 15th century Florentine sculptor Luca della Robbia, most famous for his decorations in the chantry of Florence’s cathedral. The initials are designed to simulate the three-dimensional character of della Robbia’s work. Della Robbia created a dynasty of bas relief artists whose influence was pervasive all over Italy throughout the Renaissance and in traditional Italian architecture to this day. A few years ago on a trip to Italy I saw remarkably similar designs decorating buildings on the Island of Murano in Venice.